A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valletta vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Valletta or Pompeii?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Valletta and Pompeii can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Valletta

Valletta is a charming, cultural, and waterfront town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. It's also popular because of the museums.

Valletta and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valletta or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valletta. Although Valletta and Pompeii are popular destinations, Valletta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pompeii is more touristy than Valletta and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Valletta is famous for its ancient fortifications, Baroque palaces, and beautiful gardens. It is also well known for The Grand Masters Palace.

How is Valletta different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pompeii and Valletta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Valletta or Pompeii?

You'll find a number of amazing museums and attractions in both Pompeii and Valletta.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Valletta has many famous sights for visitors. With its rich culture and compact old town, there are countless museums, sights, and monuments that are worth visiting. Some options include Saint John's Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster's Palace and Armory, the National Museum of Archaeology, Manoel Theater, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Pompeii that are not to be missed. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

Is the Food Better in Valletta or Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valletta is renowned for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Valletta has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The town's culinary scene has a long history with many traditional flavors. You really must experience a meal in one of the traditional stone cellar restaurants, which often serve local meze. Head to Republic Street for a stretch of longstanding restaurants in town. Local dishes include stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew), bragioli (rolled meat covered in sauce), and lampuki pie (fish pie).

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Valletta or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Valletta is very good for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Valletta. It wasn't long ago that the town went quiet in the evenings, but recent years have brought a surge in bars and clubs around town. You'll find the liveliest nightlife in areas around Strait Street and the Valletta Waterfront. If you're looking for a true clubbing scene, you'll want to head north out of town to Paceville.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Valletta or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Valletta is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

The beach in Valletta is worth checking out. There aren't any beaches in town, but if you head north to St. George’s Bay you'll find some nice beaches with a variety of resorts to choose from.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Valletta or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Valletta is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Valletta is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is laid out with a uniform grid and the streets are lined with hundreds of historic buildings. At the heart of old town is Republic Street, which divides the area in half and is where you'll find a large concentration of restaurants.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Valletta or Pompeii?

Valletta is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Valletta. For the best shopping head to Republic Street and Merchants Street where you'll find craft shops, boutiques, and other local souvenirs. Many visitors enjoy picking up blown glass, a locally made miniature, or cactus liquor. Lace is also a common local item that you'll find around town.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Valletta or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Valletta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pompeii. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Valletta. This charming town has nearby beaches as well as a few museums that kids will enjoy, including a toy museum. There are also several multi-media shows that educate visitors on the area's history. Make sure you check out Malta 5D and the Malta Experience.

Is Valletta or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Valletta is renowned for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Valletta has plenty to offer. The town offers beautiful walks, luxury spa experiences, and evening sunset cruises that are seeped in romance. During the evening you can enjoy a cocktail hour and then dine in one of the town's many unique restaurants.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Valletta or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valletta is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Valletta. The island has grown in popularity with backpackers, particularly those coming from Europe, as there are affordable flights and easy accessibility. You'll also find some nice hostels around town where you can stay on a budget.

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Valletta or Pompeii Better for Students?

Pompeii is a archeological site with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Valletta is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Valletta is not popular with students.

Is Valletta or Pompeii Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Valletta and Pompeii.

Valletta has some public transit options. If you're not up for walking up and down the hills, there are some buses around town.

You'll find some public transit in Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Valletta or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Valletta and Pompeii are amazing when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Valletta. The town is compact and easy to walk around with many sights within a short distance of each other. There's also very little street traffic.

Getting around Pompeii on foot is easy. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Valletta Worth Visiting? and Is Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Valletta?

How long in Valletta or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Valletta or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Valletta than Pompeii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Valletta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

Families should spend more time in Pompeii than Valletta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Pompeii, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Valletta than Pompeii. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Valletta that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Valletta than Pompeii if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Valletta.

One day in Valletta or Pompeii?

In Valletta, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Valletta or Pompeii?

In Valletta, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Valletta has to offer.

Pompeii is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this archeological site makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pompeii, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valletta or Pompeii?

Valletta is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Pompeii is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Valletta or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valletta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Valletta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This archeological site offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Malta, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Valletta and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. And not only is Valletta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valletta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valletta and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Pompeii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pompeii than you might in Valletta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Valletta Expensive? and Is Pompeii Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Valletta or Pompeii?

Pompeii has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Valletta experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Valletta are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Valletta is a little warmer than Pompeii in the summer. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Pompeii. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Valletta gets 365 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valletta usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Valletta gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valletta or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Valletta during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Valletta is a little warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valletta in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Valletta. In the autumn, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Valletta gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Valletta usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Valletta gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valletta or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valletta and Pompeii. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round. Furthermore, the museums are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

In January, Valletta is generally much warmer than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Valletta average around 13°C (55°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Valletta usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Valletta gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Valletta usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Valletta gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valletta or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valletta as well as Pompeii. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Valletta is a little warmer than Pompeii in the spring. The daily temperature in Valletta averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In the spring, Valletta often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Valletta gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Valletta usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Valletta gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Valletta